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G IS FOR GURU (SÄDHU AND SÄDHVI) G is for Guru (Sädhu and Sädhvi)
Gurus are our Religious Leaders and Teachers
Jain monks (Sädhus) and nuns (Sädhvis) are our gurus. These gurus are people like us who have voluntarily given up their worldly attachments and have accepted the five great vows* as a code of conduct to purify their souls from karma. Our Gurus observe total Ahimsä (non-violence). They tell the truth. They do not take anything not properly given to them. They observe celibacy and do not enjoy material happiness. They do not keep any possessions, which are not useful in their religious activity. They have also given up relationships and attachment to their family and friends. The Gurus study scriptures, perform meditation, and live a pious life. They voluntarily suffer many hardships to get rid of their karma. The Sädhus do not touch or sit close to Sädhvis, ladies, or girls and Sädhvis do not touch or sit close to Sädhus, men, or boys. Both Sädhus and Sadhvis stay in a separate Upäshray. Except for the rainy season, they do not stay in one place for more than a few days at a time. Shvetämbar Sädhus and Sädhvis wear white clothes. They keep a
es, a few bowls to collect food. a Raioharan (soft broom to clean), and a Muhapatti (mouth cover to protect the small living organisms in the air). Digambar Sädhus do not wear any clothes, while the Sädhvis wear white clothes. Digambar Sädhus keep a Morpichhi (a broom made from naturally shredded peacock feathers) and a Kamandal (water utensil to wash). Note : G is also for God and Goodness Look for *Vows under V
JAIN ALPHABET BOOK
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